Garrett Statement on Recognition of a Palestinian State at the United Nations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government-Sponsored Enterprises, delivered the following statement today regarding the recognition of a Palestinian state at the United Nations (UN):

“I strongly oppose any recognition of a Palestinian state given the existential threats currently faced by Israel.  With Hamas jihadists controlling the Gaza Strip and the recent rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, as well as  the unwillingness of the Palestinian Authority to be a credible peace partner, the United Nations must not reward the Palestinians for actions detrimental and contrary to the peace process.  Israel is a friend and special ally to the United States, and I stand with them.  The United States, and the international community, must insist that Israel and the Palestinians negotiate to achieve peace in the region.  Allowing this unilateral Palestinian declaration of statehood at the UN will seriously hamper the peace process by legitimizing the terrorist tactics of Hamas.”

###